plate no. 5226

Sleeping Zebra

Carel Willink, 1959

oilMagic Realismanimal paintingzebraslandscapemountainsskyrocks

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in atmospheric perspective and rendering animal anatomy with accurate proportions and shading. It also provides practice in creating realistic rock textures and distant landscapes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic composition, including the rocks, horizon line, and zebra placement.
step 02
Block in the sky with light blue and white, blending smoothly.
step 03
Establish the values of the distant landscape, using lighter blues and grays for areas further away.
step 04
Paint the large rock formations, focusing on the shadows and highlights to create depth and texture.
step 05
Begin painting the zebras, starting with the underpainting to establish form and proportions.
step 06
Add the black and white stripes to the zebras, paying attention to how they wrap around the body.
step 07
Refine the details of the foreground, including the texture of the rocks and the shadows cast by the zebras.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to enhance the realism of the painting.

color palette

primary · ultramarine blue · titanium white · raw umber · ivory black

secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna

Mix various shades of gray by combining white, black, and a touch of umber. Achieve atmospheric perspective by adding more white and blue to colors as they recede into the distance.

techniques